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California

Cheap Car Hire in California from £13

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a Cheapflights user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in California with a pick-up date of 30/8 and drop-off date of 16/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Driver's age: 26-65
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California car hires in 2025

Get helpful information to start your search for the perfect car hire in California. The average price data is based on the last 12 months and was last updated on 13 June 2025.

Most popular company

Sixt

Most common car type

Full-size

Average price per day

£40

Cheapest price per day

£13

Popular car types in California

Explore the most popular car models available for hire in California and choose the one that suits your needs. The price data is sourced from various car hire companies and was last updated on 13 June 2025.

At £13/day, small car is the cheapest car type available for hire in California in the past week. Out of 352 car hire agencies operating in California, there are, in total, 17,429 hire locations. View below for 8 offered car types:

Economy

Economy

Compact

Compact

Intermediate

Intermediate

Standard

Standard

Full-size

Full-size

People carrier

People carrier

Full-size SUV

Full-size SUV

Premium

Premium

Luxury

Luxury

Convertible

Convertible

Pick-up truck

Pick-up truck

Premium SUV

Premium SUV

Supplier choice

Supplier choice

Compact SUV

Compact SUV

Intermediate SUV

Intermediate SUV

Standard SUV

Standard SUV

Supplier choice saloon

Supplier choice saloon

Compare car hire deals in California by type

Here are the best California small car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best California medium car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best California large car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best California SUV hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best California van hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best California pickup truck hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best California luxury car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best California convertible hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Volkswagen Polo£13/day
2
M
A/C
Volkswagen Polo
Renault Clio£13/day
2
M
A/C
Renault Clio
Opel Astra£14/day
4
M
A/C
Opel Astra

Best car hire deals found in California

Browse through a selection of recently found affordable car hire deals in California. Plan your trip with ease and find the perfect hire option for your needs. There are currently 8 hire car agencies in California with an average daily rate of £25. Data was last updated on 13 June 2025.
Take a peek at some options we've found for car hires in California, including locations near Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. Make sure to examine important information for each deal, including price, car type, and pickup location.
Volkswagen Polo£13/day
2
M
A/C
Volkswagen Polo
Renault Clio£13/day
2
M
A/C
Renault Clio
Skoda Octavia£13/day
5
M
A/C
Skoda Octavia

Cheapflights insights for California car hires

Get relevant, data-driven information to help you hire a car in California, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.

How far in advance should I hire a car in California?

To get the best deal on car hire in California, book about 7 days before your trip. At that point, average daily prices are around £32, which is about 41% cheaper than the typical rate.

What is the cheapest car hire company in California?

In California, the most affordable car hire company right now is Budget, offering prices from just £15.70/day over the past two weeks. Another budget-friendly choice is Hertz, with rates starting at £16.17/day.

What is the best car rental company in California?

Based on Cheapflights user feedback, the highest-rated car hire company in California is Hertz (rated 6.0/10 with 1,205 reviews). Alamo (rated 8.4/10 with 187 reviews) is also highly rated by our users.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in California?

At California, the best time to hire a car is in January, with an average daily rate of just £32. Conversely, July is the priciest month, averaging £46 per day. Below youll find the monthly average car hire prices. Note that costs can fluctuate depending on availability, booking time, and vehicle type.|1#In California, the best time to hire a car is in January, with an average daily rate of just £32. Conversely, July is the priciest month, averaging £46 per day. Below youll find the monthly average car hire prices. Note that costs can fluctuate depending on availability, booking time, and vehicle type.

January

£32

February

£32

March

£35

April

£38

May

£38

June

£41

July

£46

August

£42

September

£38

October

£39

November

£38

December

£40

What car do most people hire in California?

SUV cars (BMW X3 or similar) are the most popular option for those visiting California. Intermediate cars (Acura TLX or similar) are also a popular choice, followed by Luxury cars (Audi A4 or similar).

Which car hire company has the most locations in California?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has 112 locations throughout the area, more than any other company. Hertz has the second-highest number of locations in California at 90.

What are the car hire prices for popular cities in California?

Discover the price range for hiring a car in popular cities across California, helping you budget and make informed decisions for your upcoming travel. There are 408 pickup locations in California to choose from. Price data has been averaged over the last 12 months and was last updated on 13 June 2025.

Among the most popular cities in California, Oakland offers the lowest average car hire price at just £18/day. Other affordable options include Burbank (£20/day), Fresno (£21/day), and Santa Monica (£22/day).

Tips for hiring a car in California

Browse helpful tips for hiring a car in California including age restrictions, car type suggestions and more. Tips were last updated on 13 June 2025.
  • In California, child safety is paramount. Children under the age of eight or shorter than 150 cm tall must be securely fastened in an appropriate child safety seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Parents should travel with a car seat to ensure compliance with local laws. Many car hire agencies in California offer car seats for an additional fee, but it's wise to confirm availability and book in advance for peace of mind.
  • When hiring a car in California, crossing state borders is common, especially to nearby states like Nevada or Arizona. Be aware that some hire agencies may impose additional fees for taking the vehicle out of state. Ensure you have the necessary documentation, including your driver's licence and hire agreement. It's essential to review the hire terms and check with the agency about any restrictions or fees associated with border crossings to have a smooth interstate journey.
  • In California, you'll find car hire services at major airports like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). At LAX, car hire desks are located in the arrival terminals, including Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 7. At SFO, you'll find them in the Rental Car Center, accessible by AirTrain. No need for airport shuttles; they're conveniently within the terminals or nearby, ensuring a hassle-free pickup for your California road trip.
  • California is a beautiful state to explore by car, but it can also be tricky to navigate at times. You should be aware of the peak traffic hours on weekdays, which are usually from 7:00 to 9:00 and from 16:30 to 19:00. Some of the worst traffic jams occur on the 405, the 5 and the 101 freeways. In summer, some of the desert regions such as Death Valley and Joshua Tree get very hot and dry. Make sure you have enough water and fuel and a functioning air conditioner in your car.

Top hire agencies in California

Explore the leading car hire agencies in California known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car hire companies in California. Reviews were last updated on 13 June 2025.
Hire a vehicle with one of these top car hire agencies serving California, including those serving the Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego area. Make sure to take a look at reviews from past customers, daily rate and other charges, and pickup location before making your decision.

Hertz

6.0
Okay
1205 reviews90 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.8

Comfort

6.7

Overall

5.9

Pick-up/drop-off

5.9

Value

6.1

Alamo

8.4
Very Good
187 reviews14 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

8.6

Overall

8.3

Pick-up/drop-off

8.4

Value

8.0

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.7
Good
418 reviews112 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

7.9

Overall

7.7

Pick-up/drop-off

7.7

Value

7.6

Sixt

7.3
Good
357 reviews16 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

7.9

Overall

7.3

Pick-up/drop-off

7.3

Value

7.2

Avis

6.3
Okay
549 reviews56 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

7.1

Overall

6.3

Pick-up/drop-off

6.4

Value

6.4

Budget

6.3
Okay
981 reviews56 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

7.1

Overall

6.3

Pick-up/drop-off

6.4

Value

6.3

Midway

6.2
Okay
492 reviews16 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

6.8

Overall

6.2

Pick-up/drop-off

5.8

Value

6.7

Dollar

5.6
Fair
519 reviews48 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.8

Comfort

6.6

Overall

5.6

Pick-up/drop-off

5.5

Value

5.9

Car hire FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about car hires in California, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on 13 June 2025.
  • Should I hire a car in California?

    Hiring a car in California offers the freedom to explore this diverse region to the fullest. With its vast landscapes and stunning scenery, driving allows you to access attractions that might be challenging to reach by public transport. The Golden State boasts excellent highways, making it a breeze to travel between cities and explore hidden gems along the way. Plus, iconic spots like the scenic Pacific Coast Highway or Yosemite National Park are best experienced with a car. So, for convenience, flexibility and the chance to uncover California's hidden treasures, hiring a car is the way to go.

  • What is driving like in California?

    Driving in California is an adventure in itself. The driving culture here is relaxed and laid-back, especially along the picturesque Pacific Coast. However, traffic congestion in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco can be challenging during peak hours, so plan accordingly. California has some special driving rules that you should be aware of. For example, you can make a right turn at a red light after stopping and checking for traffic, unless there is a sign that says otherwise. You can also use the carpool lanes (also called diamond lanes) on some freeways if you have at least two people in your car, but you should follow the signs that indicate when and where you can enter or exit them.

  • How old do you have to be to hire a car in California?

    To hire a car in California, you generally need to be at least 21 years old. Some hire agencies may serve drivers as young as 18 but often with additional fees. You'll need a valid driver's licence, and for international visitors, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Your driver's licence must be valid for the entire hiring period. Also, most hire companies require a credit card in the driver's name for security. Be sure to check the specific age and licence requirements with the hire agency you choose for a smooth car hire experience in California.

  • What is the cheapest hire car found in California?

    In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under £41/day when booking a car hire in California. The absolute best deal a user found was for £19/day from Fox, booked on Jun. 8.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in California for a week from Sixt?

    Hiring a car in California for a week can be a great option for travel. Sixt, the most popular car hire company for this area, offers hire cars for around £431/week on average.

  • Can I rent a car for a month in California?

    Typically, how long you can hire a car for depends on the inventory of the supplier. For California however, it is certainly possible to rent a car for an entire month.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in California for a month?

    You can potentially save up to 81% on a month-long rental by booking with Fox. Fox is the cheapest rental company available within the next few months. Renting a car in California can cost you on average £1,848 a month or £62 a day. For extended stays in a location, this option will usually save you the most.

Car hires by fuel type in California

Browse car hires by fuel type in California. Currently, Hybrid cars are the cheapest to rent in California. Deals were last updated on 13 June 2025.

Browse through car hire deals by fuel type in California. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Hybrid being the cheapest (£14+).

Electric

Electric

Hybrid

Hybrid

Petrol/Diesel

Petrol/Diesel

Travelling to a place near California?

Hire a car at California if you plan to visit one of these locations
Bath

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